Paul Basham Associates were appointed by A2 Dominion to support the transport planning works for the redevelopment of two sites in Oxford City including the former Simon House located on Paradise Street and Gibbs Crescent.
The Brief
Paul Basham Associates were tasked with supporting the redevelopment of Gibbs Crescent from the existing 78 units to 140 units with a reduced car parking provision and the redevelopment of Simon House from a 52-bed car-free hostel to 30 car-free flats on Paradise Street. The two sites will contribute to the reduction in car trips and therefore reduce congestion and pollution within Oxford City as well as encouraging residents to travel sustainably. The project team were able to put their skills gained from other car-free schemes within Oxford to good use to secure a positive outcome for the client.
Our Approach
Following a pre-application meeting with Oxfordshire County Council (OCC) the project team provided layout advice which was later fed into project team meetings. Upon reaching a fixed layout a Transport Assessment and Travel Plan were produced for Gibbs Crescent and a Transport Statement for Paradise Street. The reduced parking provision and car-free development for both sites was justified through the existing sustainable travel options and presence of existing parking controls for both sites, a Travel Plan and the premise that Simon House was already operating as a car-free development. The project team provided further clarification to OCC following highway comments and through discussions and producing a formal response were able to agree on the allocation of car parking spaces as well as an approach to the management and enforcement of car parking for Gibbs Crescent and, cycle parking provision for both sites.
The Result
The project team were excited to be involved in both Gibbs Crescent and Simon House and were delighted to see them both receive permission at planning committee in October 2019. The Oxford Office are looking forward to seeing the progression of both sites as construction works commence whilst on their travels around Oxford City Centre.